Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Naperville, Illinois |
| Online | northcentralcollege.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Religious Affiliation | United Methodist |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
North Central College is a private liberal arts institution located in Naperville, Illinois, a vibrant city within the Chicago metropolitan area. Founded as Plainfield College in 1861, the institution has a history spanning over 160 years and occupies a 68-acre campus known for its blend of modern and historic brick-clad buildings. North Central offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs, with business, education, and the social sciences among the most popular fields of study. Although considered moderately selective, the college admits a range of students with varied academic profiles. Residential facilities are available, providing a range of on-campus living options for students. Noted for some competitive sports, North Central's athletic teams, known as the Cardinals, compete in the NCAA Division III College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin.
In the most recent statistical year 5,099 prospective students applied, and 3,104 were granted admission. Of those admitted 483 enrolled in the school. 2,535 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 160 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $42,866 plus fees of $180. North Central College is ranked 340 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
North Central College is rated within the top 38% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for North Central College within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#340 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#248 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#15 in Best Colleges in Illinois
#13 in Best Private Colleges in Illinois
#228 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#17 in Best Value Colleges in Illinois
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1020/1240 |
| ACT | 22/28 |
| GPA | 3.6 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Apr 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $25 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Other Fees | $180 |
| Room and Board | $11,998 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $1,722 |
| Total One Year Cost | $57,966 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 28% |
| Education | 13% |
| Social Sciences | 12% |
| Communication | 7% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 6% |
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Students considering North Central College are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about North Central College.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=147660 IPEDS survey data for North Central College.
Current students may use the North Central College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024